The Sunshine Coast Business Council will tackle some of the big issues this week when it facilitates a forum to foster collaboration between all levels of government and Sunshine Coast businesses community representatives.
Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) Chair Sandy Zubrinich said SCBC was partnering with the University of the Sunshine Coast to stimulate conversation amongst representatives from both councils, as well as regional state and federal members and approximately 20 local business leaders.
“This forum is about creating an environment and time for the Sunshine Coast’s elected members to engage with business people and academics on regional topics that are crucial for a prosperous future,” said Ms Zubrinich.
“A range of experts have been invited to lead the discussion on five specific topics, namely: integrated transport strategy and how it works best; next generation planning; revitalising the coastline; health and education as the key to a smart region; and the value of measuring regional sustainability.”
Ms Zubrinich said there had been a great show of willingness to be involved from Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington and his councillors, various Sunshine Coast Council councillors and our regional state and federal members.
“It is encouraging that most of our political leaders see value in engaging with business to talk about some of the issues and challenges that are extremely important to how people of the Sunshine Coast access, live, work and enjoy our region now and in the years to come.”
“We all talk about the importance of collaboration, partnerships, reaching out and communicating and I’m please to say that many do it well. This is an opportunity for government and business on the Sunshine Coast to walk the talk because the only way to sustainable prosperity for us all is to step up and take unified action.”
Ms Zubrinich admitted that while generating effective conversation between the various parties may have proved challenging in the past, there was a renewed willingness to collaborate within the region.
“The SCBC is in the business of trying to stimulate conversation, discussion and debate on regional issues and topics and I believe we have reached the point where we are enjoying a good level of engagement between government and business to combine our efforts on achieving positive outcomes for the region,” said Ms Zubrinich.
“For the past six years the SCBC — a membership-based organisation — has been working hard to be more inclusive, better prepared and more informed to build both our credibility and our effectiveness.”
“This was also evidenced earlier this month when we engaged with 150 influential local people at a regional conference intended to reignite the conversation about the potential ripple effect from the investment in the hospital and health campus at Kawana.”
“This type of targeted engagement appeared to hit the mark with positive feedback that many attendees were left eager to explore how to capitalise on the new business opportunities as they emerge on the Coast over the next several years. Work is also underway to help small business understand what the opportunities might look like, how they are relevant and whether it’s possible to pursue these.”
The Combined Government and Business Forum will take place at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday, 24 August.